Education

Education

Welcome to the Education section of Wedding Bands Galleria.  Here we will teach you everything you need to know when purchasing a ring.  We will teach you about each of the metals offered on our site.  You will soon learn that each metal has its individual pros and cons.  The perfect choice for you ultimately depends on 3 things:  personal preference, lifestyle, & budget.  Here we will briefly discuss all of your options and confidently point you in the direction that will best fit your needs.

In the jewelry industry, metals are typically categorized into 2 separate groups- Precious Metals and Contemporary Metals.  The Precious Metals Group includes Gold, Platinum, and Palladium.  Precious metals are considered to be more valuable and rare, and generally cost more in price.  Contemporary Metals include Titanium, Tungsten Carbide, Cobalt Chrome, & Ceramic.  Contemporary metals are popular for their affordable price tag, and their unique characteristics.   Most contemporary metals are harder than precious metals, which make them scratch resistant and durable for rigorous wear.  Because each metal is unique in characteristics, so let’s discuss each one.

Precious Metals Group

Gold:  For centuries Gold has continued to be the most popular metal in jewelry.  It is traditional, and a timeless look that will always be in style.  Although gold is naturally yellow in color, it can be altered into different colors including white, yellow and even rose.   Gold is offered in different karats – 10K, 14K, and 18K.  18K is the most pure gold available in jewelry.  It is also the softest which makes it susceptible to scratches and dents.   10K is the least pure, but is also the most affordable.  It wears well, but is duller in that beautiful bright yellow color.  We like to refer to 14K gold as the happy medium- it is harder than 18K yellow but has the brighter gold color. 
Cons:  White gold requires rhodium plating to maintain white color over time.

Learn more about Gold >

Platinum:  Platinum is considered to be the king of all metals.  It is the rarest precious metal currently available.  It is desired for its beautiful bright white color.  What makes Platinum so desirable over Gold is that it is naturally white in color.  The beautiful white color will not wear off or fade over time, like white gold does.  Many customers like to be symbolic in their wedding bands, and there is nothing more precious that premium Platinum. 
Cons:  Platinum has an expensive price tag, and has a low scratch resistance in comparison to other metals.

Learn more about Platinum >

Palladium:  Palladium is the newest addition to the Precious Metals Group!  It is one of the most exciting new alloys that have been introduced to the jewelry industry in years.  Palladium is usually compared to Platinum because they look almost identical.  Like Platinum, Palladium is preferred for its white color.  And similar to Platinum it is naturally white in color which means it will not fade over time.  Palladium is only a fraction of the price as Platinum, so it is a great alternative when shopping for that beautiful Platinum look.  Palladium is in the same family as Platinum on the Periodic table, and is actually extracted right before Platinum is during the mining process.  
Cons:  Just like Platinum, Palladium scratches easier than other metals.

Learn more about Palladium >

Contemporary Metals

Tungsten:  Tungsten is one of our most popular Contemporary Metals.  It is known for being virtually scratch-resistant!  Tungsten measures 8 out of 10 on the Mohr’s hardness scale, and can only be scratched under extreme measures, such as with diamond composite.   Because of the hardness of Tungsten, it will maintain its polish forever and remain looking brand new for years to come.  Tungsten is hypoallergenic.  All of our Tungsten rings are made with Tungsten Carbide and do not contain the alloy cobalt. 
Cons:  Tungsten rings cannot be resized, however we do carry a Lifetime Warranty that will replace your ring for a new size should you need to exchange in the future.  Although Tungsten is incredibly durable, it is a bit more brittle than other metals and if dropped at just the right angle it can break.  This is unlikely to happen, but if it did our Lifetime Warranty would cover such an event.

                                                Learn more about Tungsten >

Ceramic:  Ceramic is our most popular “black” rings.  It is also available in white and is popular because it has a permanent luster that will not fade over time.  It is favored over Black Tungsten because Tungsten’s true color is gray, and to create the black color it is covered with an industrial coating that can wear off over time.  Cobalt will not do this, because the color is consistent throughout the entire band and is not coated.  Cobalt is affordable in price, and is extremely durable and is very scratch-resistant.  Cobalt is hypoallergenic.
Cons:  Cobalt rings cannot be resized, however we do carry a Lifetime Warranty that will replace your ring for a new size should you need to exchange in the future.  Although Cobalt is incredibly durable, it is a bit more brittle than other metals and if dropped at just the right angle it can break.  This is unlikely to happen, but if it did our Lifetime Warranty would cover such an event.

Learn more about Ceramic>

Cobalt Chrome:  Cobalt Chrome is one of the newest additions to the Contemporary Metals group.  It is comparable to Platinum in color, but is much more affordable.  Cobalt Chrome is naturally white in color, and it is the whitest metal offered from the Contemporary Metals Group.  Cobalt Chrome is more scratch resistant than any of our Precious Metals, and it is shatterproof.  Cobalt Chrome is hypoallergenic.
Cons:  Cobalt Chrome cannot be resized but may be exchanged for a new size under our Lifetime Warranty.  Cobalt Chrome can scratch and show wear, but can be polished to look new again.

More about Cobalt Chrome >

Titanium:  Titanium is known for its lightweight!  It is lighter than aluminum and is very comfortable to wear.  Titanium is harder than steel.  It is one of the most affordable metals available.  Titanium is naturally gray in color. 
Cons:  Titanium cannot be resized but may be exchanged for a new size under our Lifetime Warranty.  Titanium also can scratch and show wear, but can be polished to look new again.

More about Titanium >